Zachary Parker

Ward 5 Councilmember, District of Columbia

Political Party: Democratic

Current Position: Member of the Council of the District of Columbia, representing Ward 5

Zachary Parker is an educator and public servant dedicated to building equitable communities. He grew up on the South Side of Chicago as the youngest of three brothers, witnessing personal and systemic challenges that shaped his commitment to equity and opportunity. His passion for public service is rooted in his brothers' struggles with inhumane economic and healthcare systems, as well as his family's own experiences with inequitable access to healthcare and education.

Parker is the first Black openly gay member to serve on the DC Council, representing a historic milestone in the district's governance.

Education

Parker earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Northwestern University and a Master of Arts in Education Policy and Leadership from Columbia University, Teachers College.

Political Experience

Early Career in Education

Parker began his career as a 7th-grade math teacher in New Orleans post-Katrina with Teach for America. He subsequently spent nearly a decade in Washington, D.C., coaching and supporting school administrators to improve student learning at institutions including Dunbar High School and Mundo Verde PCS.

State Board of Education

In 2018, Ward 5 residents elected Parker to serve as their representative on the DC State Board of Education. In 2021, he was unanimously selected by his colleagues to serve as President of the State Board.

DC Council

Parker was elected to the DC Council in 2022, succeeding Kenyan McDuffie. Since taking office in January 2023, he has:

• Delivered responsive constituent services and secured major budget wins
• Introduced more than 30 pieces of legislation and co-introduced more than 150 additional bills
• Championed the District Child Tax Credit, providing low-income and middle-class families fully refundable tax credits for children 17 years of age and younger
• Established the State Superintendent's School Support Office to improve low-performing schools
• Served as Chair of the Committee on Youth Affairs

Parker also serves on the Committee on Health, Committee on Human Services, and Committee on Transportation and the Environment.

Community Involvement

Parker is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and serves as a board member of Love to Langa, a nonprofit supporting educational programming in Langa, South Africa.